Thanks to fabulady Samar Kaukab for giving me permission to publish her heart-felt and provocative note about attending a class at Chicagos Masjid al-Faatir. Thanks also to fabulady Nura Maznavi, who shared photographs of this space for me to post on Side Entrance. Please read the piece and share your thoughts. Theres already a robust discussion happening on Samars page, but you might not all have the privilege to know her & see her posts :) Despite knowing what I know about this particular masjid and the poor track record it has when it comes to gender inclusion, I went. I went because I promised someone I would go. I went because I needed to go. I went because two days ago I was drowning in my own solitary prayers. I went because I wasn’t sure if I was reaching God. I went because I shouldn’t need to provide a reason to enjoin in communal worship. After walking to the door from the dimly lit parking lot, I was greeted by the unavoidable signage clearing delineating the “SISTERS ENTRANCE.” My space, the space for my kind, was only accessible upon walking through a bathroom area. As is custom in this masjid, I was further greeted by impenetrable, solid green curtains. About a dozen women sat there waiting for class and Isha prayers to begin, as we faced the black-out curtains for 45 minutes. sideentrance.tumblr/post/98252973425/on-duality-side-entrances-and-chicago-landmarks
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:15:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015